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Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's reforms aim to developlabour market, says Al Marri
QNA Geneva Minister of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri has reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the International Labour Organisation's(ILO) mission and to cooperating with international partners to promote social justice and build a future based on decent work and respect for human dignity. This came as the State of Qatar participated in the General Session of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva on Monday. Dr Al Marri headed the State of Qatar's delegation. The current session of the International Labour Conference brings together nearly 5,000 participants from 187 member states, including governments, employers, and workers. The conference brought together ministers of Labour, heads of delegations, and representatives of workers and employers from the International Labour Organization's (ILO) member states. Qatar's participation, represented by a senior delegation from the Ministry of Labour, highlights the country's ongoing commitment to engage actively with international organizations and maintain dialogue on the evolving global labour landscape. In his speech, Dr Al Marri highlighted Qatar's comprehensive reforms aimed at developing its labour market over recent years. The reforms focus on key areas such as strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework for occupational health and safety, as well as implementing extensive awareness and training programmes for both workers and labour inspectors. Qatar has also built strong partnerships with the ILO to promote decent work practices, especially in critical sectors. He voiced the State of Qatar's appreciation for the ILO's continued efforts to promote social justice and decent work at the regional and global levels. He noted that the Director-General's report offers an honest and thorough analysis of the structural challenges facing labour markets amid global crises. He stressed that social justice is no longer just an ideal, but a necessary foundation for social stability and peace. Dr Al Marri emphasized that the report highlights the importance of embedding democratic values, participation, and fairness in building resilient and fair labour systems. He underlined the urgent need to enhance social dialogue as a key mechanism for developing inclusive solutions. He also pointed out that key conference topics, especially the draft programme and budget for 2026-2027, represent important steps towards strengthening the ILO's capacity to carry out its strategic goals. These include supporting social dialogue, advancing decent work, and addressing labour market challenges in developing countries. Reaffirming Qatar's strong support, the Minister of Labour also spoke in favour of elevating the status of the State of Palestine in international organisations. He emphasized the importance of empowering Palestinian institutions to protect the rights of Palestinian workers amid ongoing challenges caused by the occupation. He warmly welcomed the decision to grant Palestine 'Non-Member Observer State' status at the ILO. He described this as a clear endorsement of the organisation's commitment to justice and legitimacy, as well as recognition of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and dignified existence. Among the key issues under discussion are the Director-General's report, titled 'Jobs, Rights and Growth,' and a report on the situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories. The conference agenda also covers topics such as protection against biological hazards in the workplace and decent work in the platform economy, with the first-ever discussion on setting standards. Additionally, the conference explores innovative approaches to addressing the informal economy and encouraging formal employment. Held annually in Geneva, the International Labour Conference, often called the global parliament of labour, sets the ILO's public policies, including conventions and recommendations. It also makes key decisions on the organisation's policies, work programme, budget, and elects members to its governing body.
Qatar Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
‘Qatar considers international law a means to achieve peaceful coexistence among states'
QNA Geneva Qatar considers international law the bedrock of its foreign policy and a means to achieve peaceful coexistence among states, based on its National Vision 2030, which places justice, the rule of law, and sustainable development at the core of its strategies, Permanent Representative of Qatar in Geneva HE Dr Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah has emphasised. In a speech during her participation in a High-Level Dialogue on Justice and Capacity-Building in International Law, organised by the Permanent Mission of Qatar to Geneva and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Dr Muftah indicated that the organisation of this dialogue comes at a time of growing geopolitical complexities and declining confidence in multilateral institutions, which calls for reimagining the role of international law to become more responsive to the demands of justice and international solidarity. She pointed out that these principles are not merely slogans, but rather firm commitments, evident in the active role played by Qatar in hosting international dialogues in the context of mediation and conflict resolution, supporting international legal education, and providing legal protection to refugees and displaced persons. She emphasised that, for Qatar, international law is a tool for achieving a just and comprehensive peace. She highlighted the importance of empowering youth, particularly in countries of the Global South, and equipping them with the legal knowledge and diplomatic skills to effectively participate in the international legal system. Dr Muftah pointed to effective Qatari initiatives such as the Education Above All Foundation's 'Protecting Education in Conflict Zones' programme, Silatech's projects, and the Qatar Fund for Development's investments. She stressed that capacity building in international law is a vital issue directly linked to the national sovereignty and strategic independence of Qatar. She emphasised that possessing advanced legal expertise enables the state to effectively defend its interests and contribute to the development of international legal norms, especially in light of the complexity of contemporary issues such as cybersecurity, climate change, and human rights. Dr Muftah also addressed the distinguished partnership between Qatar and the UNITAR, noting Qatar's participation in the 'World Negotiation Day 2024' event during the Doha Forum, which highlighted the ethical dimension of negotiation as a responsibility based on empathy and mutual also noted Qatar's readiness to organise two regional conferences in Doha this year, reflecting its commitment to strengthening international legal dialogue. The first, in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will address the role of international law in supporting innovation, alternative dispute resolution, and attracting sustainable investment. The second, in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), will discuss legal frameworks for investment from a more comprehensive, just, and sustainable perspective. Dr Muftah underscored that these initiatives, dialogues, and efforts are not merely political dialogues, but rather a clear expression of Qatar's deep belief that international law must evolve to serve future generations, noting that its $60 million contribution to the implementation of the Doha Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022–2031) reflects its commitment to justice and legal empowerment. She pointed out that capacity building in international law is not merely a technical or institutional endeavour, but rather a moral endeavour and a form of shared called for courageous interaction, generous cooperation, and determined action toward a more just and inclusive international legal system that respects the voice of every state and embraces the future of every people.
